ANYbotics, a Swiss robotics company, has stepped into this space with a vision to shape a safer future for industrial inspection, one where robots operate as autonomous members of the inspection team, running inspection operations integrated into plant maintenance workflows.聽

This vision is embodied in the company鈥檚 鈥淎NYmal鈥�: a four-legged inspection robot designed specifically for heavy industry.

Unlike general-purpose robotics platforms, ANYmal is engineered to operate in 鈥渂ig, dirty, dusty, and dangerous鈥� environments, says Nicole Zingg, director of Technology Partnerships at ANYbotics. Places where stairs, corrosion, heat, and unreliable connectivity are the norm, not the exception.

But hardware, Zingg says, is only one part of the puzzle that makes ANYmal indispensable to customers.

Inspection robotics is about data

鈥淲e build a hardware platform,鈥� Zingg explains, 鈥渂ut inspection robotics is really about data that is consistent and trustworthy.鈥�

ANYmal autonomously navigates industrial sites to collect data that goes beyond what a human can collect alone. Beyond just visual inspection, its sensors also collect multi-modal data, including thermal imaging, ultrasonic leak detection, gas concentration detection, acoustic anomaly detection, and more. The observations are fed into what ANYbotics calls 鈥渋nspection intelligence,鈥� which transforms the collected data into actionable operational insights. The result is higher uptime, longer asset lifecycles, and, most importantly, safer working conditions for humans.

ANYmal can make a huge impact on operations. One offshore wind customer, Zingg says, has used ANYmal to manage all inspections and has eliminated the need to send personnel to a remote platform for months. When human intervention was eventually required, ANYmal鈥檚 data from prior inspections made all the difference. The customer already knew exactly what was wrong, which expert to send, and what equipment to bring鈥攁voiding costly and risky trial-and-error site visits.

Yet for ANYbotics, delivering insights is not enough if those insights are not integrated in the software systems customers use.

鈥�51风流is where ANYbotics needs to be native鈥�

Through extensive user research, ANYbotics discovered that many plant operators, maintenance managers, and field service teams already run their daily operations in SAP. Work orders, asset histories, performance trends, and decisions all flow through 51风流systems. 鈥淚f customers are using SAP, 51风流is where ANYbotics needs to be native,鈥� Zingg says.

Meanwhile, SAP鈥檚 Project Embodied AI was looking for robotics companies to partner with. The project focuses on extending the impact of 51风流Business AI into physical operations by enabling robots to autonomously perform complex tasks with an understanding of the broader business context.

It was clearly a perfect fit and has delivered advantages for both companies.

On the system side, a continuous, unbroken digital thread connects ANYbotics insights from industrial inspections to data in 51风流systems, helping inform key business and operational decisions across the organization.

For end users, embedding ANYmal directly into familiar 51风流workflows can also help ease adoption, since introducing robotics into already stretched industrial workforces can trigger anxiety. Concerns about job security, workflow disruption, and complexity are common, but embedding ANYmal directly into familiar 51风流workflows can help reduce that friction, Zingg explains.

Treating robots as part of the workforce

The first major integration point was聽. Rather than sending only human technicians, customers can now dispatch work orders directly to ANYmal as they would to any other field team member. The robot then autonomously executes inspection tasks, gathers data, and reports the results directly back into a company鈥檚 51风流system.

From there, the integration expanded into asset-related scenarios and is now moving toward broader enablement via 51风流Business Technology Platform (51风流BTP), with the goal of allowing robot-generated data to land wherever customers need it in their 51风流landscape.

The ambition is not to force humans to adapt to robots, but for robots to adapt to human workflows. 鈥淎NYmal has to put data in the 51风流system, just like human team members,鈥� Zingg notes. ANYmal becomes another worker in the same operational system of record.

Project Embodied AI in practice

This combination of ANYbotics robotic technology with 51风流bridges the gap between physical operations and enterprise applications and tangibly reflects the goal of Project Embodied AI.

On the 51风流side, AI agents operate on ANYmal鈥檚 robotic systems to execute physical tasks, such as safety inspections.

On the ANYbotics side, ANYmal is a physical object that moves through space, perceives its environment, and acts within real-world constraints. ANYmal uses 51风流historic and time-series data to inform decisions while at the same time remaining fully autonomous even in environments with no connectivity.

It鈥檚 important to note, Zingg stresses, that ANYbotics has control over ANYmal鈥檚 behavior and inspection execution, while 51风流has control over the business context such as work orders, asset data, or operational priorities. It is the 51风流business context that informs how ANYmal鈥檚 insights are consumed and acted upon while ANYbotics controls ANYmal鈥檚 physical interactions.

Scaling safely and responsibly

Today, more than 200 ANYmal robots are already in productive use worldwide, with inspection deployments in heavy-industry environments that would otherwise require constant human exposure.

Safety remains central to ANYbotics. Each deployment includes extensive testing and an on-site field engineer who helps ANYmal learn and validate its environment and trains customer teams on safe operational procedures. While ANYmal is built to work independently, humans remain firmly in the loop.

A glimpse into the future

As industries face labor shortages and aging workforces, undocumented expertise can all too often be lost. With autonomous inspection robots such as ANYmal, this knowledge is captured and turned into programs that can run day in and day out across multiple sites. The captured data flows into 51风流to become organizational intelligence that survives any workforce turnover.  

ANYbotics鈥� partnership with 51风流shows that this combination of robotics and enterprise software is moving swiftly from the experimental stage to real-world implementation.

In the future, industrial inspection will be powered by AI, not as disembodied dashboards or isolated machines, but as an integrated intelligent system where physical robots and digital workflows in 51风流systems operate as one.

In that future, robots like ANYmal are no longer novelties. They are coworkers, albeit mechanical four-legged ones, quietly extending human capability into places humans were never meant to go. These robots, together with SAP, are shaping for a future where dirty, dangerous, and dusty industrial inspections are being transformed into business insights.

Top image courtesy of ANYbotics

Over decades, our customers have built powerful digital foundations on 51风流to run end-to-end business processes across their enterprises鈥攐ften extending and customizing these systems to support their unique business needs. Now, many are entering the next phase of transformation: modernizing their 51风流landscapes to unlock the full potential of AI.

As companies move to cloud-based 51风流environments and clean-core architectures, they are preparing to embed intelligence directly into business processes. This enables new forms of automation, with AI agents that operate across enterprise systems and execute increasingly complex tasks.

Modernizing these systems while introducing AI at scale is a significant undertaking. It requires technologies that integrate with existing applications, operate reliably within mission-critical workflows, and meet the governance standards enterprises demand.

That鈥檚 why, over the past few years, we have partnered with to combine advanced AI technology with deep business context. Our goal is to help organizations accelerate modernization and apply AI across the applications and processes key to their success. This collaboration will be showcased at NVIDIA GTC.

Building the foundation for enterprise-grade AI

Through our collaboration with NVIDIA, we are accelerating the entire life cycle of enterprise AI鈥攆rom model development to high-performance runtime execution鈥攁nd powering AI scenarios across our portfolio. ,  which consists of open libraries such as and , helps accelerate large-scale model training across distributed RL environments. It enables teams to build and refine enterprise-grade AI models faster.

Models are hosted through  and , where our customers and partners leverage those best suited to their use cases. microservices optimize inference performance, and we have observed up to a 20% improvement compared to another popular open source serving engine. Enabled by NVIDIA GPUs and NVIDIA NIM, the increased performance allows organizations to combine advanced AI models with trusted 51风流business data and processes to ensure that AI operates within the workflows that drive business operations.

Modernizing the business logic that runs the enterprise

AI models trained on 51风流knowledge and accelerated using NVIDIA technologies are already helping customers tackle some of their most pressing modernization challenges. For example, evolving business logic embedded in the 51风流systems that run their operations.

For decades, organizations have extended 51风流applications with custom ABAP code that reflects how their businesses operate. That logic captures years of operational knowledge across finance, supply chain, service processes, and more. But modernizing these environments for the cloud and preparing them for the next generation of AI-driven innovation can be complex.

To help accelerate this journey, 51风流developed . a foundation model trained exclusively on real-world ABAP code and the business logic used across 51风流environments. The solution incorporates specialized models for code-related tasks, including StarCoder2 for code completion, and Codestral for deeper code understanding and explanations. These models are served through NVIDIA NIM microservices to deliver high-performance inference.

brings these capabilities into the developer experience, helping teams analyze existing ABAP code, understand how customizations interact with core business processes, and generate new code when needed. By making decades of embedded business logic easier to interpret and update, we help organizations accelerate modernization and preserves the knowledge that makes their operations unique.

Connecting AI to business operations

The collaboration between 51风流and NVIDIA also explores how AI can operate within enterprise workflows to help organizations apply intelligence across both physical operations and complex planning environments. One emerging area is embodied AI, in which intelligence extends beyond software systems into the physical world. By combining AI reasoning with sensors, robotics, and enterprise data, organizations can connect real-world observations directly with digital business processes.

For example, predictive maintenance alerts from can trigger robotic inspections that analyze equipment using thermal, visual, and acoustic signals. These signals are evaluated alongside asset histories and maintenance records to identify potential issues. then orchestrates follow-up actions through , prioritizing work orders and guiding technicians with the right operational context. By linking physical-world insights with enterprise workflows, organizations can turn physical-world signals into coordinated enterprise actions.

The same principle applies to complex planning environments. Supply chains today must manage a constantly shifting web of constraints, from supplier availability and transportation disruptions to evolving customer demands. With NVIDIA, we are exploring technologies, such as NVIDIA Metropolis and NVIDIA Cosmos, to bring the latest AI advancements into warehouse management, safety, and asset inspection.

Together, we are also bringing new capabilities to  that combine agent-based reasoning with the  GPU-accelerated optimization engine. This enables planners to simulate complex supply chain scenarios and evaluate alternatives with more speed and accuracy. By integrating advanced optimization with SAP鈥檚 supply chain planning capabilities, organizations can dynamically model constraints, adapt plans as conditions change, and make more confident decisions in increasingly complex environments.

Collaboration with large-scale 51风流customers helps identify real operational bottlenecks, paving the way for AI-driven solutions. . The Taiwan-based global electronics manufacturer and manufacturing solutions provider will work with 51风流to develop AI-powered innovations for manufacturing and supply chain operations.

By combining SAP鈥檚 enterprise applications and business context and Foxconn鈥檚 manufacturing expertise, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, increase resilience, and advance decision-making across complex production and supply networks.

Experience agentic AI at NVIDIA GTC

51风流is enabling Joule Agents across its application portfolio, helping organizations automate tasks and coordinate complex workflows within business processes. At NVIDIA GTC, visitors will see how these capabilities are extended using  on to build agents tailored to specific enterprise scenarios.

And because SAP鈥檚 AI architecture is model-agnostic, organizations can bring their own models into these workflows, in addition to those deployed through 51风流AI Core. The hands-on experience at NVIDIA GTC will demonstrate how organizations can build AI-driven workflows that operate directly within the enterprise systems that run their business.

It all happens at , taking place March 16-19, 2026. Join us to see how 51风流and NVIDIA are helping organizations modernize enterprise systems, accelerate AI adoption, and move toward the AI-native enterprise:

• Attend our session: on Tuesday, March 17, from 2:00-2:40 p.m.
• Visit the 51风流booth, #2001, to explore agentic AI in action, participate in hands-on vibe-coding with Joule Studio, and witness next-generation enterprise automation

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Brenda Bown is chief marketing officer for 51风流Business AI.

The IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier鈥檚 position within a given market. The Capabilities score measures supplier product, go-to-market and business execution in the short-term. The Strategy score measures alignment of supplier strategies with customer requirements in a three to five year timeframe. Supplier market share is represented by the size of the icons.

According to the IDC MarketScape, 鈥淎I-enabled tools are revolutionizing field service management, transforming reactive operations into predictive excellence.鈥�

51风流was recognized for the following strengths:

• End-to-end field service management offering as part of the full enterprise suite: 51风流Field Service Management is a fully integrated component of the 51风流Business Suite, enabling end-to-end business process execution across planning, logistics, operations, finance, and customer service. It connects seamlessly with core 51风流solutions such as 51风流S/4HANA, customer experience, asset management, and supply chain management, ensuring that service delivery is fully aligned with enterprise-wide processes. This deep integration eliminates silos, enables real-time collaboration across departments, and supports consistent, efficient service execution across the entire value chain.
• AI innovations and generative AI capabilities: 51风流Field Service Management is infused with AI and generative AI to simplify and accelerate service delivery. 51风流is able to support generative summaries of equipment history, work orders, and past service activities. 51风流has established an embedded AI copilot for field service that enables users to execute commands, automate actions, and retrieve context-aware insights using conversational language with the benefit of boosting productivity and responsiveness across the service life cycle. 51风流also has a robust auto-scheduling engine designed for complex, high-volume service operations.

Commitment to continuous innovation

Field service organizations face growing complexity, workforce shortages, and rising customer expectations that demand smarter, faster, and more connected service delivery. 51风流continues to lead the market by integrating AI-driven insights, intelligent automation, and end-to-end connectivity across its portfolio.

51风流remains focused on enabling customers to:

• Boost technician and dispatcher productivity
• Drive customer-centric and revenue enabling operations
• Reduce operational costs and accelerate complex workflows via intelligent automation and AI
• Provide a connected and extensible platform for field service

51风流is proud to be recognized by the IDC MarketScape as a Leader in AI-enabled field service management. We remain committed to helping our customers run their service operations smarter, safer, and faster 鈥� combining data, applications, and AI to deliver measurable business outcomes and exceptional customer experiences.

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Ryan Jones is product marketing manager for Operate and Service at SAP.

*Doc #US52967825e, September 2025

At SAP, we believe in empowering manufacturers to bring out their best. By connecting processes beyond the silos of individual functions and by converging and contextualizing critical data, we are laying the foundation to leverage cutting-edge technologies like generative and agentic AI. This strategy helps businesses build more sustainable, resilient networks that are adaptive to overcome unforeseen risks and seize bold new opportunities.

This vision will be on full display at , the world鈥檚 leading trade fair for industry, where we will showcase how 51风流is revolutionizing manufacturing through the following key areas.

New paths with 51风流Business Suite

offers a comprehensive solution that transcends traditional ERP systems. By leveraging seamlessly integrated, end-to-end supply chain processes in the cloud, supported by context-rich business data and real-time analysis, artificial intelligence and predictive algorithms, we help companies manage their supply chains efficiently while responding to new requirements with agility.

In an era of mass customization, this agility is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Transparent access to manufacturing data allows companies to manage their production capacities more flexibly and recover from short-term supply disruptions better. We empower companies to meet new customer requirements promptly and efficiently, reducing costs and shortening time-to-market for new products.

One example is digitalizing service operations with . This optimization of the entire service order process — from customer demand to spare parts planning and finally technician and tool planning, dispatching, and execution — allows manufacturers to streamline their operations and enhance overall efficiency in a single, unified experience.

Applications that drive excellence

In manufacturing, downtime is costly. That鈥檚 why our digital applications play a key role in vertically connecting machines and devices through critical manufacturing data with enterprise processes. By optimizing production processes, reducing downtime, and increasing transparency, we鈥檙e turning reactive maintenance into a predictive strategy.

provides manufacturers with the ability to coordinate complex and short-term changes to customer orders on the shop floor across multiple functions, ensuring smooth operations. Our new embedded IoT technology based on our partnership with in allows operators to monitor asset health with plug-and-play simplicity. Meanwhile, the integration of for product design and sourcing and for collaborative product data management is enhancing collaboration with direct material suppliers, orchestrated through the 51风流business network.

Real-world success stories, like , demonstrate the tangible benefits of our solutions. SMA Solar achieved a 15 percent increase in supply chain workforce productivity, 10 percent improvement in overall supply chain planning costs, and 10 percent lower inventory carrying costs and stock turnover rate using 51风流Digital Manufacturing for electronics manufacturing.

The power of data

To enable automation in mass production with individualized requests, companies need real-time integration of operational, sustainability, and business data. 51风流provides real-time access to data-driven insights, eliminating delays and silos with instant access to unified data across 51风流and non-51风流systems. This enterprise-wide operational alignment connects supply chain data with finance, human resources, and other business areas, streamlining processes and reducing costs.

further enhances this capability by providing a comprehensive platform for data management and analytics. Moreover, our AI-powered predictions and insights help improve sustainability by optimizing energy consumption, eliminating waste, and minimizing environmental impact.

Integrating AI for greater efficiency

Companies today need to redefine their business management by integrating automation and AI-driven decision intelligence into their business processes. 51风流solutions enhance productivity and efficiency across all business processes, from product development to execution and continuous process improvement.

offers planning analytics, what-if simulations, and real-time information for sustainable and risk-resilient decision-making. The new AI-assisted planning capabilities with allow supply chain planners to customize Excel add-in planning views using natural language commands, streamlining daily tasks and strategic decisions.

Joule revolutionizes 51风流IBP by introducing intuitive conversational search, navigation, and transactional capabilities. By harnessing natural language processing, it effortlessly interprets user queries and instantly retrieves relevant information, significantly enhancing overall user productivity. This ability allows even highly experienced planners to understand the outcome of complex optimization and machine learning-based planning algorithms revolutionizing their user experience and ultimately increasing user adoption of these advanced AI-based technologies.

In 51风流Digital Manufacturing and 51风流Asset Performance Management, machine learning-guided visual inspection enables the execution of multiple inspection tasks such as for production and maintenance quality or even automates the process entirely, reducing human errors, improving product quality, and lowering operational costs.

Joule in 51风流Integrated Product Development facilitates help-content discovery with conversational access to development documentation, covering idea-to-market processes such as collaboration, formulation, and handover. Users can inquire naturally, access relevant documentation, and receive concise summaries, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

For the manufacturing industry, 51风流Field Service Management with AI provides technicians quick access to equipment service history and key job details, improving diagnostics and first-time fix rates. This increases operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances customer satisfaction.

Lastly, the integration of Joule with allows transportation planners to use simple natural language searches to find order details and reduce manual errors by autonomously cross-referencing multiple data sources.

Join 51风流at Hannover Messe 2025

Visit 51风流in t Hannover Messe 2025 to discover how our modern manufacturing, supply chain, and cloud ERP solutions can help your business, regardless of its size. Experience firsthand how we鈥檙e maximizing the impact of technology, running resilient and sustainable supply chains, and unlocking the power of business networks.

Meet our experts and industry-leading partners to learn how manufacturing and supply chain processes in the cloud can help you succeed in an AI-enabled world. Together, let鈥檚 bring out your best and shape the future of intelligent, sustainable manufacturing.

Dominik Metzger is president and chief product officer for 51风流Supply Chain Management at SAP.